Washington Post: Top Republican challengers support Contract with America Feb 24, 2010

Top Republican challengers support Contract with America The Washington Post By Chris Cillizza A group of touted Republican House candidates expressed support for a 1994-style "Contract with America" in advance of the coming midterms elections during a sitdown with reporters today in Washington. "I would very much would like to see a 'Contract with America Two'," said former Ohio Rep. Steve Chabot who is seeking to reclaim his Cincinnati-area 1st district and was a signer of the original "Contract" in 1994. A second "Contract" would lay out "core principles we'll live up to," he added. Allen West, who is challenging Rep. Ron Klein (D) in Florida's 22nd district, added that Republicans needed to "have a basic roadmap that shows people where we are going." The ten candidates, who hailed from districts in Alabama, Idaho and everywhere in between -- were in Washington as part of the National Republican Congressional Committee's "Young Guns" program -- a group aimed at rewarding top fundraising performers. Their support for a new "Contract" comes amid an active, behind-the-scenes debate within Republican ranks about whether releasing a broad set of party principles in advance of the 2010 election is a smart strategy or a strategic blunder. The argument for a new "Contract" centers on the idea that in a national election, which almost everyone believes this fall's midterm to be, Republicans need to be singing from the same song book -- if you will -- in order to maximize their gains. "In the months ahead we're going to tell the nation exactly what we'd do differently if we're entrusted with power," promised House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio) during a speech last week at CPAC. "But it won't be a document handed down from on high by politicians, because something like that would land with a big thud. It's going to be built by listening." Boehner has already appointed California Rep. Kevin McCarthy to begin constructing a second "Contract" in advance of the fall election. Among the tenets outlined by Boehner include: a 72-hour "reading period" (our words, not his) to examine legislation before votes, cameras in the Rules Committee, which, in the House, determines the way in which debate will proceed, and more transparency in the earmarking process -- during his CPAC speech last week. The biggest argument against such a move is that voters are looking for the minority party to stand against what they believe to be President Obama's wrong-headed agenda rather than offer an entire alternative set of policies and, by unifying behind a "Contract", Republicans will be handing Democrats something to shoot at this fall. "I wouldn't have a party agenda at this stage of the process," said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, one of the architects of the original "Contract", said in an interview last week. Our guess on who wins the debate? Momentum within the Republican party appears to be moving toward some sort of broad statement of principles. The "what" and the "when" of that second "Contract" remain very much up in the air, however.

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West Weekly Wrap-up (W3) Report for the end of Feb. of 2010 Mar 2, 2010

Greetings to everyone. It is time to give you an update on what was an incredible week closing out the month of February. It all began with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event held 18-20 February. I had the distinct honor of participating in the first event of the Freedom Defense Initiative (FDI) organization headed up by Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer. The topic was "Jihad: The Political Third Rail" and it was comprised of an exceptional panel, and then there was yours truly...LOL LOL. The event was standing room only and we heard from impressive speakers such as Dr. Wafi Sultan and Steve Coughlin. We also had guests from Austria, Denmark, and Sudan who expressed their first hand experiences with the political aims of Islam. Lastly, I closed the panel seminar and it was a well received presentation. I am honored and humbled to have recently been told that the speech is being translated into some seven languages. I conveyed the simple notion that we are not fighting a "War on Terror", as terror is a tactic. We are fully engaged in a global fight with a totalitarian, theocratic-political ideology masquerading as a religion called Islam. On many occasions, my speeches may not sit well with liberal elites ,but if truth is the new hate speech, well, lock me up because I shall not shut up. During CPAC, we had the pleasure of conducting countless interviews, including always a favorite, our hometown talk radio diva, Joyce Kaufman from AM 850 WFTL. Joyce has been a stalwart supporter of our campaign when no one knew I existed. Hat Tip JK! Probably the most memorable point of the campaign to this point was delivering the closeout address at CPAC before Glenn Beck. The topic of my simple speech was "Dreams of my Father and Mother". It was an emotional address for me because my parents, Buck and Snooks West, left me with an American legacy rooted in integrity and character. For me to be able to stand before over 2500 people in the main ballroom, countless others in overflow rooms, and to a national audience was simply phenomenal....it was the perfect venue at which I could tell my story, the story of a Son of America. After a short trip home, it was back to Washington DC, this time to be recognized as one of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) "Young Guns", their top tier Congressional candidates. This is a select group of individuals who have met stringent criteria that has set us on the way towards victory in our respective races. We were hosted at a Congressional member breakfast, conducted a press release, and introduced to key players supporting the GOP in 2010 congressional races. I do not take this recognition for granted and we must not grow complacent. You have my dedication to drive hard through 2 November to get that "W" in the column. I will not rest until we win back Congressional District 22......ok, then one day off and we prepare for the 112th Congress. But we all know the battle for this election lies ahead and Ron Klein and Nancy Pelosi won't go quietly into the night. They will be well funded and determined to defeat us and continue their failed policies of wasteful, irresponsible spending, higher taxes and socialized medicine. We can't allow that and I need your help. Please visit my website, www.allenwestforcongress.com, and sign up to be a volunteer or make a contribution. I promise that our combined efforts will lead to victory in November so let's all get working together! I returned back to South Florida after the day spent with the NRCC and had two great meetings with the Marine Industry Association of South Florida and the Florida Cattlemens Association. We continue to have more doors opened to our campaign allowing us to spread our message of restoring our Republic to its fundamental principles. A special treat came when we were contacted by Fox Business Network and earned a segment interview with Stuart Varney. The topic of the interview was developing our energy independence, focusing on the resources located off the Florida coast. I conveyed to Stuart that this is an economic issue as well as a national security issue... I fully support our energy resource exploration, oil and natural gas. Further exploration will help build our energy independence while providing valuable, high paying jobs in the industry. All too often, liberals like Ron Klein and Nancy Pelosi pay lip service for blue collar jobs but when the opportunity arises to expand economic opportunities in the energy sector, they always side with environmental extremists rather than the American worker. I want Americans working and cultivating our nation's great resources. If we do not, the Chinese have their sights clearly set as they lease rights from Cuba. The week ended with two events outside the District but north along the east coast. I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker for the Martin County Lincoln Day dinner and the Bike Week Freedom Rally held at the Volusia County fairgrounds. The basis of my brief comments was on the Lincoln "Liberty and Tyranny" quote. There can be no doubt that today, as Lincoln articulated, there are those who understand Liberty to mean "each man doing as he pleases with himself and the product of his labor". However, there are those who believe Liberty to mean "for some men to do what they please with other men, and the product of their labor". These are two different and incompatible things, clearly one is Liberty and the other called Tyranny. After watching the healthcare summit this past Thursday, there can be no debate that we face a struggle in our country against the growth of big government and in support of liberty. For all who read this missive, know that I stand for the Liberty of the American people, and shall forever stand against those who would conceive to impart their perverse meaning of Liberty... Tyranny. Steadfast and Loyal! Allen

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West calls "Fiscally Conservative" Klein a Hoax Mar 8, 2010

PRESS RELEASE March 4, 2010

For Immediate Release Contact: Valentina Weis 561-603-8188

Deerfield Beach, FL - 3/4/2010 - Republican Congressional candidate Allen West (FL-22) today proclaimed that only in Washington DC could someone support the current Administration's out of control spending and still call themselves a fiscal conservative. "Ron Klein's recent claims to be a fiscal conservative only make sense within a Washington mindset that says up is down and black is white. Voting for increased spending and raising the debt limit to record levels is anything but fiscally conservative" West said. Klein's record includes support for massive expansion of government programs and spending--including President Obama's health care takeover, Cap and Trade, and raising the debt limit by $1.9 billion. Despite all of this, Klein has recently taken to calling himself a fiscal conservative. Nancy Pelosi, Ron Klein and Barney Frank, who recently did an event for Klein in South Florida, have all earned ratings of zero from the American Conservative Union for 2009, largely due to their support for higher government spending. Rep. Ron Klein sits on the House Financial Services committee with Chairman Barney Frank. "You can't vote lockstep with tax and spenders Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank and call yourself fiscally conservative," West said. "It just doesn't add up."

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Sun-Sentinel: Military can teach fiscal discipline Mar 14, 2010

Military can teach fiscal discipline Sun-Sentinel By Allen West If there is anything in the halls of Congress that is truly bipartisan it is fiscal irresponsibility. We are witnessing an epic tragedy as our debt and deficit continues to grow. However, it was during my 22-years of active duty service where my skills were developed and refined in understanding fiscal responsibility. As an artillery captain, major and lieutenant colonel, I was responsible for hundreds of soldiers, vehicles, and the supervision and execution of large annual budgets. At every level it was my responsibility to ensure my unit had the resources to properly train, the equipment was adequately maintained and the quality of life of our soldiers and barracks were of the highest standards. Never in the execution of my duties did my unit ever overspend, always meeting our goals and objectives. It was due to prioritizing and conducting weekly budget reconciliations. A defining moment for me came as a young captain in the 1st Infantry Division completing my battery command tour debriefing with my brigade commander. I had successfully commanded for 20 months and part of the routine was a review of spending and accountability of all repair parts purchases during the command, close to $1 million. I was 29-years-old and it came down to my not being able to account for a $7.83 pneumatic hose repair part for a heavy equipment truck. The colonel grilled me and, finally, I took out my checkbook ready to pay, to which he laughed and remarked that he had never seen such detailed accounting. The Army taught me fiscal responsibility. It taught me that a good commander protects and guards the taxpayer resources provided to him from the American people. It is that simple life lesson from March 1990 that guides me in supporting a constitutional balanced budget amendment. Finally, the Army taught me that the most precious resource a commander is entrusted is our human capital, the sons and daughters of America. Allen West is a resident of Plantation and a candidate for Congress in District 22.

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Kill the Bill Mar 17, 2010

Greetings Patriot!   Today is the time for action once again.   Monday at 3 pm the liberals in Congress started the process to take over our healthcare system through a series of backroom maneuvers in Congress.   No open debate.   No hearings by Congressional committees.   No opportunity for the public to meet with their Congressman to discuss the latest proposal.   In fact, the Democratic leadership asked the Budget Committee of the United States Congress to vote for the bill even before the final language has been drafted!   It's time for us to stand up and be counted among the Americans who are willing to say no to a government run healthcare system.   You can join the growing grassroots activity across the county to "Kill the Bill."  But we must act quickly.  First, call your Congressman today and ask for a "no" vote on final passage of the bill.  You can say this bill will increase insurance premiums, slow job creation and do nothing to reign in the growing cost of healthcare in this country.   If you live in our opponent Ron Klein's district, his toll free phone number is 866/713-7303.   The general phone number for all Congressmen in Washington, D.C. is 202/225-3121.  Just ask for your congressman's office when you reach the Capitol Hill operator.   Second, please forward this message to six of your friends.  Every person who opposes a nationalized healthcare system must call Congress now.   We can stop this bill if Congress hears from all of us that we don't need a government take over of healthcare.  Finally, we need your help to get our message out to all the voters in south Florida.Please click here to contribute $35, $50, $100, or even $250 to my campaign today.   Our opponent, liberal Congressman Ron Klein, is a dedicated supporter of the Obama-Pelosi agenda to create a government run healthcare program.  And to thank Klein for his support, the liberal special interest groups from across the country have been filling Klein's campaign war chest with large PAC contributions.   Our campaign, on the other hand, has been growing every day because of the support we are receiving from grassroots supporters from all across the country.    The support I've received has truly been humbling.  But we cannot stop now.    We need to grow my campaign by telling the voters of Florida's 22nd Congressional district of my vision for a fiscally and physically secure America, free from the threat of foreign attacks.    You have been so generous by helping our campaign in the past.  I thank you in advance for your help once again.   Steadfast and Loyal,     Allen B. West   PS  You can contribute to our campaign by clicking here.  And don't forget to forward this email to at least six of your friends.

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West Pledges to Repeal Bill Mar 21, 2010

West Pledges to Repeal Bill

Says Klein Ignored Will of the People

Deerfield Beach, FL - March 21, 2010 - Republican Congressional candidate Allen West (FL-22) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed healthcare legislation Sunday.   "Sunday's vote by the House of Representatives was a travesty of policy, politics and process.   The liberal troika of Obama, Reid, and Pelosi has once again conspired to trample the will of Americans and strong armed Congress to pass healthcare legislation the public simply does not want.   From all across America citizens flooded Congress with the message that a government takeover of healthcare, complete with an exploding bureaucracy and massive tax increases, is not the reform needed to solve our healthcare problems.   Congressman Ron Klein was complicit in the tangled tactics used to move an unpopular bill past the public and toward the President's desk.   Klein did not hold a single town hall meeting where the general public was invited to ask questions or present their views.  Klein hid behind controlled environments such as telephone conference calls and tightly controlled meetings.  He refused my offer to debate him on this topic at a place and time of his choosing.   Klein has ignored the public's will with his vote Sunday.  On November 2nd Klein will pay the price for his arrogant approach to representing Florida's 22nd District when the people flood the ballot box with their frustration for Mr. Klein.   My pledge to the people of the 22nd District is simple-once elected I will do everything in my power to repeal the repugnant portions of this monstrous piece of legislation."

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Washingtoons: “The Lesson of Phidippides” Mar 22, 2010

“The Lesson of Phidippides” By Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Retired) Greetings Wheels on the Road (WOTR) readers, fellow South Floridians, and all Americans, time for another monthly political assessment. It is 11pm Sunday night, the first weekend of March Madness and my two teams, University of Tennessee and Kansas State University, survived and shall move onto the coveted “Sweet 16”. It is also the evening when our US House of Representatives stand ready to make a decision with immense ramifications for our Republic, the healthcare reform vote….another form of March Madness. For whatever reason, I began to think about endurance. I pondered enduring the grueling 40 minutes of an NCAA tournament basketball game and how fantastic it must be for the University of Northern Iowa in beating #1 Kansas. I also considered how our America will endure what will certainly be a fateful decision soon to be made in the late hours of night. As a former Army Commander, we always told our Soldiers that nothing good ever happens after 2300 hours (11 pm for you civilians). The theme of endurance led me to recall one of my favorite maxims, “the race is not given to the swiftest, but to he that endures to the end”. Therefore I remembered the Man for whom the Olympic distance race was named, the Greek Soldier Phidippides. If I may set the stage, in 490 BC the great Persian Empire sought to expand their territory and move into Europe, under King Darius I. They landed a huge army in Greece, city-states who created the first ideals of democracy, just outside of Athens on the open plains of Marathon. Athens was incredibly outnumbered and sought the assistance of the warrior city-state, Sparta. Sparta was some 140 miles away and the Athenian Generals chose a professional runner, Phidippides for the task. History records that he covered the 140 mile distance in 36 hours only to be told that the Spartans would not immediately support Athens due to a religious observance. Phidippides then ran back to deliver the horrifying news and afterwards, joined the Athenian Army to prepare for battle. Outnumbered some 4 to 1, the Athenians launched a brilliant surprise attack and slew some 7000 Persians to minimal losses for their force. The Persians withdrew to the sea and embarked south to conduct a direct attack on Athens. The Generals again called upon Phidippides to run the 26 mile distance from Marathon to Athens informing them of the victory and the impending threat. Phidippides rose to the challenge, after the trek to Sparta and back, and having fought in full hoplite heavy armor. Going past the normal limits of human endurance, he reached Athens, delivered the message, and died shortly thereafter from fatigue. In America we are now in an ideological race for the soul of our Republic. We oft time believe we are heavily outnumbered and it seems as though there is no support. The healthcare legislation which will certainly pass violates the foundational principles of our Constitutional Republic in every way. The voices of the American people are being cast aside for special interests such as unions and other deals for respective members of the House and Senate. We know that our honored Senior citizens will be severely affected by the cuts to Medicare, regardless of what the liberal progressive spin may be. And in my State of Florida where there is a large retirement community, what shall happen when we see a growing loss of medical professionals? We will see an incredible increase in taxes immediately while none of the “so called needed reform programs” begin until the years of 2013 and beyond. We will see a huge increase in the federal bureaucracy, especially the IRS which will now be empowered to penalize Americans not succumbing to unconstitutional mandates. And how can anyone explain, or comprehend, an American government ordering its citizens to purchase health insurance? And this is supposed to punish those evil insurance companies? And even in this legislation there was a proposal to make the federal government the sole source for college education loans, totally unrelated. At a time when our economy is suffering and Americans are out of work, our Representatives will burden its producing citizens with more heinous taxation. Yes, we need healthcare reform but it must be done within the American principles which respect and cherish liberty and free market solutions. Just as the Persians sought to conquer Greece and enslave their human will which was rooted in liberty and freedom, so we have entered into this ideological battle, race, in America. And in this race we, American citizens, must have the endurance of Phidippides to answer the call and stand. Regardless of what seems to be an adversary that is all powerful and outnumbering us, we have to be bold. However we must be competent in taking actions which allow us to regain and retain the initiative. It is a long march to the 2nd of November but we must not grow weary as future generations of Americans are depending on us…just the same as in Greece. The ideological race in which we are embroiled, if lost, will relegate America to nothing more than an advanced debtor Nation. We will become a Nation whose foreign policy will be dictated because we will have lost any moral high ground. We will find ourselves more vulnerable to external and internal security threats because the liberal progressives seek a domestic agenda which makes us weaker. I am reminded of a great quote, “We are either a unified people, or we are not. If the former, let us in all matters of general concern act as a Nation which has national objects to promote, and a National character to support. If we are not let us no longer act the farce by pretending to it”- George Washington, November 30, 1785. My challenge to each of you is simple, run the race of endurance for America and its principles, not faltering. Let us lay aside every weight and burden which so easily ensnare each of us and run with endurance the ideological race that is set before us. We can remember the lesson of Phidippides but not finish in exhaustion but as those who run the modern day Marathon and win, receiving the wreath of Victory upon our heads. In the end Greece defeated the Persian invasion not once but twice enabling the democratic ideals and principles they had borne to spread into Europe…and eventually to a fledgling Country called America. In closing, remember the words of Thomas Paine in December 1776 after a series of early defeats for the Continental Army, “These are the times which try men’s souls. The summer Soldier and the sunshine Patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his Country; but he that stands now deserves the love and thanks of men and women”. Join me and run this race, stand on the battlefield for America ensuring its future and legacy. Steadfast and Loyal! LTC A B West (USA, Ret)

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Mar 28, 2010 West Weekly Wrap-up (W3)

Greetings to everyone and what an eventful week this has been! Before I begin I must tell you that the Allen West for Congress campaign has without a doubt the greatest Volunteers in the Nation. I am just amazed and humbled at the work they have accomplished in a little over a month in securing the necessary petitions for the ballot. Not only have they collected more than enough petitions, they have also catalogued them for verification. As well, their efforts could not have come to fruition if not for the superb constituents of Florida's Congressional District 22, and indeed South Florida.  Thanks! Of course this week began with what has to be one of the most heinous political acts in the history of our Republic, the passing and signing of the healthcare legislation popularly known as "Obamacare".  This, now law, is nothing more than a huge tax bill which will cripple our economy and further grow our debt and deficit. There are some pieces of this legislation that are good, no more denial of preexisting conditions, however, that could have been done in two pages. There are free market principled solutions for reforming our healthcare, none seemed viable to the liberal progressives. Our seniors, medical professionals, and the American taxpayer will suffer under this law. You have my commitment that upon winning this Congressional race, I will find the aspects of this law which we can repeal.....then replace with true solutions to lowering our healthcare costs. Since I know Congressman Klein's cronies monitor our website and postings, here is a simple message. Ron, you stated that you were "comfortable" with your yes vote for this aberration of the American political process. I am now even more committed to making you comfortable sitting in your home after 2 November. I will defeat you resoundingly because you are endemic of what ails our Country, self-serving, petulant, inept, and incompetent politicians. I am appalled at the treatment of President Obama to Prime Minister Netanyahu. I cannot fathom how any American President could regard our true ally in the Middle East with such abject contempt. I have one question, Congressman Klein do you stand by President Obama, will you sell out Israel and the Jewish people, or can you find the courage to make a clear statement against Obama? Oops, I suppose that is a rhetorical question, we all know you are nothing more than a Pelosi puppet and a follower. Nothing personal Ron, but I plan to beat you like you stole something dear to me.......matter of fact you are, My Country! Now that I have that off my chest, let’s talk about that which makes America great, honoring its traditions. On Thursday 25 March we celebrated National Medal of Honor Day with Medal of Honor recipient US Navy SEAL LT Michael Thornton. Mike is one of 91 surviving MOH recipients and instead of going to DC (where Pres Obama did not attend the MOH Day festivities) he came to South Florida. We had two Veterans rallies at VFW Posts in Boynton Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. Mike also participated in a grand fundraiser event at the home of Manny and Marlene Aguero in Ft Lauderdale. There were close to 200 in attendance and it was great to honor the tradition of the Congressional Medal of Honor, "above and beyond the call of duty". Saturday afternoon we had the opportunity to visit with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Ft. Lauderdale for the National Vietnam Veterans Day. It was great to attend the picnic and just share with men and women who represent that which is honorable and great about America. The best part for folks was when I sang "Rocky Top" in honor of my Tennessee Volunteers being in the NCAA Men's tournament Elite Eight. There were so many fantastic events this week; Freedom Works endorsement, Palm Beach fundraiser, addressing the Ft. Lauderdale Rotary, and addressing the Ft. Lauderdale Tea Party. What is special to me is the opportunity to stand before the people of Congressional District 22 and South Florida offering inspiration to them regardless of the dire situation in our Country. I want you all to know that we need not be discouraged, depressed, despondent, nor dejected. I want you all to have the spirit of the "Battling Bastards of Bastogne", the Men of the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles" during World War II. When in the face of severe adversity, surrounded, and asked to surrender they responded simply, "Nuts". The liberal progressives believe that we are going to back down and allow them to destroy our Constitutional Republic. I implore you to become resolute, vigilant, and emboldened; respond to them with a simple answer, "Nuts". Here is my call to action, write, email, call these liberal progressives from the President down to your representative, especially Ron Klein, and tell them one word, "Nuts". Every time you get angry send them that one word, make them know that just as those Soldiers at Bastogne, you will not surrender, never succumb, and not stop fighting for the principles and values handed down to us from our Founding Fathers. This is the defining moment for America, one that will echo in history; join me in this fight to restore our Republic. We shall prevail and we shall secure the future and legacy of America for countless generations. Steadfast and Loyal! Allen

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March 21, 2010 Governor Sarah Palin endorses Allen West in Florida 22nd

PRESS RELEASE March 21, 2010 For Immediate Release Contact:  Dan Huber,dan@allenwestforcongress.com

Governor Sarah Palin endorses Allen West in Florida 22nd

Deerfield Beach, FL - March 30, 2010 - Republican Congressional candidate Allen West (FL-22) expressed his gratitude for Governor Sarah Palin's endorsement.  Palin announced the endorsement late Monday afternoon on her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=375469568434.    "I am deeply honored and humbled to have secured Governor Palin's endorsement for our Congressional campaign," West said.  "The hard work of our supporters is being recognized both here in the Twenty-Second District as well as across America."   In the statement Palin wrote, "Allen's personal story is a testament to the commonsense conservative belief that our nation's greatness is rooted in freedom, because with freedom comes equal opportunity, and that, coupled with hard work, leads to success. Allen is a small government fiscal conservative running against a leftwing ideologue who's marched to the beat of Nancy Pelosi on every issue from cap-and-tax to the stimulus, TARP, and, of course, Obamacare. It's time to send Allen to Washington in his place."   "Americans are looking for real leadership in these trying times," stated West.  "The people of Congressional District 22, and Americans, are looking for the new generation of principled leadership to combat the liberal progressive legislative agenda." -30-

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April 16th, 2010 Allen West for Congress Out-Raises his Opponent nearly 2-1 in First Quarter and announces Grand Opening of Campaign Headquarters

PRESS RELEASE April 16th, 2010

Allen West for Congress Out-Raises his Opponent nearly 2-1 in First Quarter and announces Grand Opening of Campaign Headquarters

(Deerfield Beach) Republican 22nd Congressional District candidate Allen West raised nearly $840,000 during the first quarter of 2010, almost twice the amount raised by his Democrat opponent. "This is further proof that the citizens of South Florida are fed up with career politicians and the ruling class elite mentality that currently exists in Washington DC," said West.  "We're off to a great start, but we have a long way to go before November, our campaign will not grow complacent until we have restored a true representative voice to the people of Congressional District 22." Allen West for Congress also announced the grand opening of its Campaign Headquarters to be held tomorrow in Deerfield Beach. West continued, "I hope the opening of our campaign office will convey a message to South Florida- this office belongs to the people of Congressional District 22, just the same as the office on Capitol Hill will belong to them come November 2010." Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening festivities begin at 10:00am April 17th at 140 N. Federal Highway in Deerfield Beach, FL (West Marine Plaza). Allen West proudly served his country in the US Army for over two decades, retiring with an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant Colonel. He and his wife Angela, along with their two daughters Aubrey and Austen, live in Broward.

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April 26th, 2010 Republican Congressional Candidate Allen West (FL-22) Leads Incumbent in Initial Survey

PRESS RELEASE April 26th, 2010

Republican Congressional Candidate Allen West (FL-22) Leads Incumbent in Initial Survey

(Deerfield Beach, FL) Republican 22nd Congressional Candidate Allen West leads the incumbent Congressman 44% - 42% in a survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies on April 18-19, 2010. "This poll confirms what I have been seeing in person - my campaign has made significant inroads on the ground here in the 22nd Congressional District," said Allen West. "I will continue to hit the pavement, speak to South Floridians, and actually listen to what people are saying - something my opponent has avoided at all costs." West adds, "Although the results from this survey are promising, we are not complacent, realizing that the numbers on Election Day are the most important. The West Congressional campaign will press forward as if this were 2008, when the polls at this time showed Klein 49%, West 22%. We are focused and determined to unleash the most powerful Congressional ground game that South Florida will ever see to achieve victory in November." West is now known by nearly 50% of the Congressional district and has a favorable to unfavorable ratio of 3-1 (23%-8%). Klein's is viewed unfavorably by nearly one-third of the district (31%) and trails West even though over 90% of the voters have heard of Klein. "This survey shows that how out of touch the politics practiced and preached by Ron Klein in Washington have become with the citizens of Florida's 22nd Congressional District," said Josh Grodin, Campaign Manager for Allen West for Congress. "He is clearly in trouble, so I'd be expecting desperation to become an overall theme of his campaign." For more information or to schedule interviews with Allen West, please contact Valentina Weis at (561) 603-8188 or ValentinaLWeis@gmail.com. A memorandum from Wilson Research Strategies containing details of the survey will follow this release and is attached via link, click here.

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May 4, 2010 Statement by Republican 22nd Congressional Candidate Allen West on Deepwater Horizon oil spill

As an avid diver and someone who recently participated in a beach clean-up with constituents of District 22, I am concerned about this incident. A complete investigation into the cause of the explosion is of utmost importance. We must also put safeguards in place aimed at preventing future incidents, and corporations must be held accountable for their actions. I am disturbed at the lack of urgency and slow response exhibited by the Obama Administration as thousands of  gallons of oil gush into the Gulf of Mexico. I support developing the full spectrum of energy resources available, as energy independence is vital to American National Security. This “all of the above” strategy will create jobs in Florida, which is suffering an unprecedented unemployment rate of 12.3% under Ron Klein’s watch. Any person permanently taking oil exploration off the table is closing the door for an energy independent United States, thus further enabling our enemies to hold us hostage and fund terrorists that continue to plot attacks against us.

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May 5, 2010 New York Times: Black Hopefuls Pick This Year in G.O.P. Races

Black Hopefuls Pick This Year in G.O.P. Races

By JENNIFER STEINHAUER

Published: May 4, 2010

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Among the many reverberations of President Obama’s election, here is one he probably never anticipated: at least 32 African-Americans are running for Congress this year as Republicans, the biggest surge since Reconstruction, according to party officials.

Barbara P. Fernandez for The New York Times

Allen West, running in Florida, says the notion of racism in the Tea Party movement has been made up by the news media.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Tracking the Races

An interactive map provided a dynamic look at the midterm elections across the country.

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Joshua Lott for The New York Times

Vernon Parker's competition for a House seat from Arizona includes Ben Quayle, the former vice president's son.

Shannon Davidson/Aurora Sentinel & Daily Sun

Ryan Frazier, a House candidate in Colorado, says the Republican Party needs to “engage every community.”

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Alex Wong/Getty Images

Princella Smith, in Arkansas, says she disagrees with President Obama but is proud of the country for electing him.

The House has not had a black Republican since 2003, when J. C. Watts of Oklahoma left after eight years.

But now black Republicans are running across the country — from a largely white swath of beach communities in Florida to the suburbs of Phoenix, where an African-American candidate has raised more money than all but two of his nine (white) Republican competitors in the primary.

Party officials and the candidates themselves acknowledge that they still have uphill fights in both the primaries and the general elections, but they say that black Republicans are running with a confidence they have never had before. They credit the marriage of two factors: dissatisfaction with the Obama administration, and the proof, as provided by Mr. Obama, that blacks can get elected.

“I ran in 2008 and raised half a million dollars, and the state party didn’t support me and the national party didn’t support me,” said Allen West, who is running for Congress in Florida and is one of roughly five black candidates the party believes could win. “But we came back and we’re running and things are looking great.”

But interviews with many of the candidates suggest that they felt empowered by Mr. Obama’s election, that it made them realize that what had once seemed impossible — for a black candidate to win election with substantial white support — was not.

“There is no denying that one of the things that came out of the election of Obama was that you have a lot of African-Americans running in both parties now,” said Vernon Parker, who is running for an open seat in Arizona’s Third District. His competition in the Aug. 24 primary includes the son of former Vice President Dan Quayle, Ben Quayle.

Princella Smith, who is running for an open seat in Arkansas, said she viewed the president’s victory through both the lens of history and partisan politics. “Aside from the fact that I disagree fundamentally with all his views, I am proud of my nation for proving that we have the ability to do something like that,” Ms. Smith said.

State and national party officials say that this year’s cast of black Republicans is far more experienced than the more fringy players of yore, and include elected officials, former military personnel and candidates who have run before.

Mr. Parker is the mayor of Paradise Valley, Ariz. Ryan Frazier is a councilman in Aurora, Colo., one of four at-large members who represent the whole city. And Tim Scott is the only black Republican elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

“These are not just people pulled out of the hole,” said Timothy F. Johnson, chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, a black conservative group. That is “the nice thing about being on this side of history,” he said.

He added that the candidates might be helped by the presence of Michael Steele, the chairman of the Republican National Committee who is black and ran for the Senate himself in 2006.

“Party affiliation is not a barrier to inspiration,” Mr. Steele said in an e-mail message. “Certainly, the president’s election was and remains an inspiration to many.”

But Democrats and other political experts express skepticism about black Republicans’ chances in November. “In 1994 and 2000, there were 24 black G.O.P. nominees,” said Donna Brazile, a Democratic political strategist who ran Al Gore’s presidential campaign and who is black. “And you didn’t see many of them win their elections.”

Tavis Smiley, a prominent black talk show host who has repeatedly criticized Republicans for not doing more to court black voters, said, “It’s worth remembering that the last time it was declared the ‘Year of the Black Republican,’ it fizzled out.”

In many ways, this subset of Republicans is latching on to the basic themes propelling most of their party’s campaigns this year — the call for smaller government, less spending and stronger national security — rather than building platforms around social conservatism.

“Things have evolved,” said Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House, who is heavily involved in recruiting Republican candidates. “I think partly the level of hostility to Obama, Pelosi and Reid makes a lot of people pragmatically more open to a coalition from the standpoint of being a long-term majority party.”

Many of the candidates are trying to align themselves with the Tea Partiers, insisting that the racial dynamics of that movement have been overblown. Videos taken at some Tea Party rallies show some participants holding up signs with racially inflammatory language.

A recent New York Times/CBS News poll found that 25 percent of self-identified Tea Party supporters think that the Obama administration favors blacks over whites, compared with 11 percent of the general public.

The black candidates interviewed overwhelmingly called the racist narrative a news media fiction. “I have been to these rallies, and there are hot dogs and banjos,” said Mr. West, the candidate in Florida, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army. “There is no violence or racism there.”

There is also some evidence that black voters rally around specific conservative causes. A case in point was a 2008 ballot initiative in California outlawing same-sex marriage that passed in large part because of support from black voters in Southern California.

Still, black Republicans face a double hurdle: black Democrats who are disinclined to back them in a general election, and incongruity with white Republicans, who sometimes do not welcome the blacks whom party officials claim to covet as new members.

This spring, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell of Virginia was roundly attacked for not mentioning slavery in his Confederate History Month proclamation, which he later said was a “major omission.” Black candidates said these types of gaffes posed problems in drawing African-Americans to their party, but also underscored their need to be there.

“I think what the governor failed to do was to recognize the pain and the emotion that was really sparked by the institution of slavery,” said Mr. Frazier of Colorado. “As a Republican, I think I have a responsibility to continue to work within my party to avoid those types of barriers. The key for the Republican Party is to engage every community on the issues they care about and not act as if they don’t exist.”

A version of this article appeared in print on May 5, 2010, on page A14 of the New York edition.

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May 14, 2010 Armed Forces Day

On this Armed Forces Day, May 15, 2010, let us honor and thank the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen who bravely secure the liberty and freedoms of our Constitutional Republic. Today, the men and women in uniform not only secure our liberty and freedom but, as they always have, seek to promote freedom in lands far away from their home. It was a privilege to serve 22 years in service of my country in the Army, following the legacy of my father and brother. The Armed Forces of the United States carries on the highest tradition of integrity and character. Let us keep those who wear our Nation's uniform, as well as their families, in our thoughts and prayers always. May they return home safe, and in victory. Steadfast and Loyal, LTC(R) Allen B. West